Kids and Families

Summer Library Program 2008

www.flickr.com madisonpubliclibrary's summer library finale 2008 photoset

Each year our librarians spend hours preparing for, conducting, and evaluating our Summer Library Program. Why do we do it? Research shows us that summer is a time of learning loss for many students who don't have access to summer learning opportunities. By providing Madison students with a no-cost, self-paced program based on reading incentives, we're encouraging students to continue learning and practicing their reading skills throughout the summer. This is central to our mission as a library.

Since 2000, participation in the program has grown 159% - this year the library registered 6187 children and teens.

We couldn't do it without our sponsors:

Madison Public Library Foundation, Friends of the Madison Public Library, Olbrich Botanical Gardens, The Overture Center for the Arts, Rocky Rococo's Pizza, Noodles & Company, Madison Mallards Baseball, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Friends of the Sequoya Branch Library, Friends of the Pinney Branch Library, Friends of the Meadowridge Branch Library, Friends of the Alicia Ashman Branch Library, South Central Library System

and we couldn't do it without the enthusiasm of the children who participate or the encouragement of their parents, teachers and caregivers. Thank you, Madison, for another fun summer!

For a full, up to date list of programs for children and teens check out the online calendar of events.

www.flickr.com madisonpubliclibrary's Summer Fun at Olbrich Gardens photoset